Each degree seeking student is assigned an academic adviser; nearly all advisers are faculty members. The student is expected to connect regularly with the academic adviser, who provides feedback and guidance about the College’s graduation requirements and academic programs of study. The student and adviser must meet prior to each registration period, to discuss course schedule options that align with requirements.
Because academic advising at SMCM is an extension of teaching for faculty, students learn how to take responsibility for their academic choices, and weigh options for their requirements that balance the student’s individual goals, needs and circumstances. Advisers should be able to explain SMCM requirements, provide appropriate direction to help keep students on track and make students aware of SMCM resources and opportunities. Although advisers’ counsel can have great value to the student, it is the student who bears the ultimate responsibility for knowing and completing their requirements for graduation.
Students should always reach out to their academic adviser with questions or concerns about their pathway to graduation or their experience at SMCM. The Registrar’s Office and the Office of Student Success Services are also available for questions/support in these areas as well.
Student Responsibilities in Academic Advising
Within the academic advising experience, students are expected to:
- Understand the degree requirements established in the catalog
- Consult with their advisor, the Registrar, and/or the Office of Student Success Services if they do not understand these requirements
- Know important dates on the academic calendar for each semester: last day to change, drop, or add classes; graduation application deadline
- Review their academic record for accuracy
- Contact the Registrar’s Office if they are questions about the accuracy or completeness of the academic record
- Communicate with their academic advisor
- Keep their advisor informed of personal values and goals for their educational experience
- Consult their advisor when considering changes to major, minor, or semester course plan
- Make (and keep) appointments for advising sessions in advance of each registration period
- Respond to messages from their advisor
- Be prepared for advising meetings in advance of the registration period
- Review current progress towards various degree requirements
- Review the posted schedule of classes
- Prepare a course plan (with back-up options) for the following semester
- Prepare questions/topics to discuss with the advisor
- Follow through with appropriate action after an advising session (e.g.,contact the Registrar’s Office, Center for Career & Professional Development, reach out to the program chair etc.)
- Accept responsibility and accountability for their actions and decisions.
- Note: While advisors are available for guidance, students are ultimately responsible for satisfying all degree requirements as spelled out in the SMCM catalog under which they entered.
General Advising Resources
The SMCM Adviser Repository (by invite only to academic advisers) is maintained by the Associate Provost. Please reach out for access.
Fall 25 Advising Day Resources
Changing Academic Advisers
To initiate a change of adviser, the student should identify and ask the faculty member to serve as their new adviser. The new adviser must e-mail the request to advising@smcm.edu, providing the student’s full name and ID number. The Registrar’s Office will make the change and send an email confirmation. Students who would like a new adviser, but do not have a specific faculty member in mind, should contact The Registrar’s Office to be matched with an adviser.
Students can change advisers at any point during the semester, except during the active registration period; students and faculty will be notified each semester of the ‘freeze period’ on adviser changes.